Southern California's whale-watching industry is reporting a busier than usual season along the coast this year. Good weather gets some of the credit, but researchers are also trying to figure out why the cetaceans appear to be doing well.

A trade group has turned in enough signatures to qualify a referendum on California's plastic bag ban law, suspending implementation of the nation's first statewide ban until voters weigh in on the November 2016 ballot.

The San Diego Zoological Society is used to successful interventions when it comes to species flirting with extinction. The recovery of the California condor is just one example. But the society's conservationists are on the verge of losing a battle.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for valley, mountain and desert areas from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Wednesday, saying the snow level may drop to as low as 1,500 feet in some areas overnight.

A major tropical storm in the Philippines over the weekend has stirred concern in San Diego's Filipino community. Many local Filipinos are trying to reach family and friends in the island nation and are looking for ways to help.

California lawmakers hope a massive $7.5 billion will help the state deal with a punishing four-year drought. The measure would fund a variety of water projects, possibly including the first new dams to be built in decades.